Is This Good News? Township Job Fair Flops

Palatine — Dozens of recruiters from local companies were all set Monday for an onslaught of job-seekers at the Palatine Township Job Fair.

But a strange thing happened as company representatives positioned themselves behind folding tables in the quiet gymnasium of Palatine High School. Few applicants were showing up.

After the first hour, it seemed clear the day would not fulfill their expectations, as only a half-dozen visitors at a time could be spotted leafing through the neat piles of corporate pamphlets and chatting with recruiters.

The fair, sponsored by the Palatine Township general assistance office, attracted 50 local companies ranging from McDonald's Corp. and Wendy's Restaurants to Ameritech Cellular and IDS Financial Services.

But by 1 p.m. 40 companies had folded their tents because of the light turnout, according to Margaret Dutko, assistant manager of the Hit or Miss clothing store in Palatine.

"We didn't get the attendance that we hoped for, but if this is an indication that the economy's getting better, that's good news," said Palatine Township Supervisor David Regner. Regner said that although he had hoped for 200 to 300 job-seekers, it appeared the number was below the 200 level.

For recruiters representing local retailers, the small turnout was a reflection of their constant struggle to attract potential employees to entry-level positions that pay between $5 and $6 an hour.

"I think that any company should be choosy, regardless of the economy," said Pat Fabiano, director of human resources for J.M. Sweeney Company. "But finding employees for the retail market in this area is very tough. You see help-wanted signs hanging in stores everywhere."